So as some of you may know I just completed the drive from Tucson to Fairbanks and you can see some pics and the details on my other post. But here I thought I would highlight some very ODD questions I got from Canadian Customs upon crossing the border at Sumas WA.Just some background I have been through literally hundreds of Customs/border crossings all over the world and many ask some pretty silly questions. Including our own US Customs.I drove up to the window and turned off my truck. After the normal questions about food and liquor and how long we would be in Canada (Only as long as it takes to get to Alaska I said) The questions about Guns started.Do you have any guns or firearms with you? NO (this is a perfectly normal question)Any ammunition? NOAre you carrying any guns or firearms? Uhm...NODo you OWN any guns? (This is the question I find a bit unusual. The answer is NO. But in the US it is legal to won a gun and as long as I am not bringing it to Canada what do they care?)Then the clincher..WHY NOT? he says to me. I just looked at him. Finally I said because I don't.The other odd question was: Why are you going to Alaska? Because I want to. I said with a smile on my face. Then I added respectfully...I will be working there.What will you be doing? Oh good grief I thought...why does he care what I do in my own country? Working for------. I replied.Ok have a safe trip he says. Never asked about the dog in the back staring at him.

Sounds like questions designed to see if you have a temper.

So, why don't you own any guns? :B

they have access to US information. They already know the answers and seem to be checking to see whether you tell the truth.

The why not may be to see if you are a felon. As it was said, they already have access to the US data and may be checking it's veracity.

It's a common technique in drug interdiction. Contradictory, invalid answers to innocuous, apparently irrelevant questions can indicate deception. It's especially effective when interviewing two people who's answers should match, but they don't.How long have you been traveling....What day did you leave home....How long have you known each other....

Some Odd questions from Canadian Customs | Good Sam Community

2oldman
Explorer II
Mar 14, 2017
Sounds like questions designed to see if you have a temper.
gbopp
Explorer
Mar 14, 2017
So, why don't you own any guns? :B
sdianel_-acct_c
Explorer
Mar 14, 2017
they have access to US information. They already know the answers and seem to be checking to see whether you tell the truth.
s1214
Explorer
Mar 14, 2017
The why not may be to see if you are a felon. As it was said, they already have access to the US data and may be checking it's veracity.
Tal_IL
Explorer
Mar 14, 2017
It's a common technique in drug interdiction. Contradictory, invalid answers to innocuous, apparently irrelevant questions can indicate deception. It's especially effective when interviewing two people who's answers should match, but they don't.
How long have you been traveling....
What day did you leave home....
How long have you known each other....
NCWriter
Explorer
Mar 14, 2017
sdianel wrote:
they have access to US information. They already know the answers and seem to be checking to see whether you tell the truth.

That's my opinion, too. Last year, crossing into Quebec, we were asked if we had a carry permit in Florida. Same scenario, uninterested in the dog, liquor, etc.
Community Alumni
Mar 14, 2017
Even us as Canadians returning to Canada and with NEXUS cards, we get asked about weapons on a regular basis. We get asked about the child seats in my pick-up that we use for our grandkids, we get asked how long my wife and I have known each other. You just never know what they will ask, they are simply testing for a reaction.

Nothing surprises us any more, we just truthfully answer whatever they ask.
romore
Explorer II
Mar 14, 2017
I was asked if the trailer belonged to us. Yes. Where is it registered? British Columbia. He came out of the booth, looked at the plate and let us go. Another time going south I was asked what was the purpose of my trip. A Sunday drive and some shopping. Where is your wife? Don't have one. Here is a card, park over there and report inside. I guess in his world single guys don't shop.:B
colliehauler
Explorer III
Mar 14, 2017
NCWriter wrote:
sdianel wrote:
they have access to US information. They already know the answers and seem to be checking to see whether you tell the truth.

That's my opinion, too. Last year, crossing into Quebec, we were asked if we had a carry permit in Florida. Same scenario, uninterested in the dog, liquor, etc.
My opinion as well. There trying to see if you will contradict yourself.
TxGearhead
Explorer II
Mar 14, 2017
So...if they ask where are you going and you tell them Alaska, then 3 days later you cross back southbound, do they record the first conversation? Can you say you changed your mind, or you're not mad at your wife anymore? Will they arrest you for changing your mind?